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ZIMILE CAREERS

At Zimile, we are at the forefront of technology-driven infrastructure development. As a proudly South African, 100% Black-owned Level 1 company, we offer exciting opportunities to work on impactful projects across water resources, municipal infrastructure, property development, and more.

Be part of a team that transforms communities, drives progress, and supports youth employment.

Be part of our story!

THE ROLE

Zimile is seeking a dynamic and strategic Business Unit Head, Transport to lead our transport infrastructure business across South Africa. This top management role involves setting the vision, expanding market share, ensuring delivery excellence, and driving business development across a diverse range of transport infrastructure services, including:

  • National and provincial roads
  • Rail infrastructure
  • Airports and aviation facilities
  • Bridges and interchanges
  • Urban mobility and integrated transport systems

As head of this business unit, you will lead multidisciplinary teams, secure major contracts, and grow Zimile’s reputation in the transport sector. You must bring strong commercial insight, industry leadership, and the ability to develop long-term relationships with government, state-owned entities, private sector clients, and funding institutions.

This is a strategic role for a forward-thinking professional who thrives in a high-impact, growth-driven environment and understands the South African infrastructure landscape in detail.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Department: Transport
Location: Midrand
Position type: Full-time | Permanent | Top management

KEY REPONSIBILITIES

    1. Strategic leadership and business planning
    • Develop and implement the long-term strategy for the Transport Business Unit, aligned with Zimile’s overall strategic objectives.
    • Identify high-growth areas within the transport infrastructure sector, including roads, rail, airports, and urban mobility.
    • Lead strategic decision-making regarding resource allocation, market entry, partnerships, and service line expansion.
    • Prepare and manage annual business plans, revenue forecasts, and performance indicators for the unit.
    • Evaluate and adapt to political, economic, and regulatory trends that impact transport infrastructure development.

     

    1. Business development and client engagement
    • Lead business development efforts across public and private sectors to win work from clients.
    • Develop long-term relationships with executive-level stakeholders and funding institutions.
    • Identify and unlock new markets, sectors or services, including niche transport opportunities (e.g. freight corridors, non-motorised transport, mobility-as-a-service platforms).
    • Proactively monitor tender portals and assess strategic fit of opportunities.
    • Lead major proposal and bid submissions, pricing strategies, technical approach, and contract negotiations.

     

    1. Operational and project delivery oversight
    • Provide oversight and strategic direction for all major transport projects, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, timelines, and quality standards.
    • Set delivery frameworks and project governance processes for efficient project execution.
    • Monitor project performance, resolve escalated technical and delivery challenges, and ensure timely reporting.
    • Enforce strong contract and construction management practices.
    • Ensure proper project closeout, documentation, and lessons learned across the unit.

     

    1. Oversee technical excellence and innovation
    • Ensure through oversight of your senior leadership team that all engineering design and implementation follows best practice and current standards (e.g. SANS, TRH, TMH, COLTO, UTG).
    • Promote the use of advanced technologies such as BIM, GIS, remote sensing, transport simulation, and digital twin platforms.
    • Lead research and development efforts into new materials, sustainable design, low-carbon infrastructure, and smart transport systems.
    • Benchmark Zimile’s transport offerings against international leaders and adapt global innovations for local application.

     

    1. Leadership, people development and transformation
    • Lead and inspire a high-performing, diverse team of engineers, technologists, and project managers.
    • Drive succession planning and talent development to ensure business continuity and transformation goals are met.
    • Promote skills development and mentoring for graduate and candidate engineers, supporting ECSA registration processes.
    • Champion a culture of professionalism, integrity, safety, and continuous improvement.
    • Ensure that the unit reflects Zimile’s Employment Equity and B-BBEE aspirations at leadership and technical levels.

     

    1. Financial and commercial management
    • Oversee financial performance of the Transport Unit including revenue, gross margins, project profitability, overheads, and cash flow.
    • Review and approve project pricing, commercial risk assessments, and cost recovery strategies.
    • Ensure compliance with company financial policies, budgeting cycles, and reporting requirements.
    • Provide monthly and quarterly reporting to the executive team on performance, risk exposure, and business health.

     

    1. Stakeholder and partner relationship management
    • Engage and maintain productive working relationships with external stakeholders, including regulators (e.g. SANRAL, CESA, CIDB), industry bodies, and local communities.
    • Liaise with key subcontractors, joint venture partners, and professional service providers to ensure collaboration and value delivery.
    • Coordinate with other internal business units (e.g. Water, Energy, Structures, Development Planning) on integrated project delivery.

     

    1. Compliance, governance, and corporate accountability
    • Ensure the unit complies with all legal, health and safety, environmental, engineering, and contractual obligations.
    • Act as the responsible person for professional conduct and compliance under ECSA’s Code of Conduct.
    • Maintain readiness for audits, client reviews, ISO certifications, and professional assessments.
    • Promote ethical business practices, anti-corruption compliance, and responsible procurement in line with PFMA, MFMA, and CIDB regulations.

     

    1. Performance monitoring and reporting
    • Set measurable goals and KPIs for all teams and track delivery on a monthly and quarterly basis.
    • Lead internal reviews and performance dashboards across projects and operations.
    • Report progress, risks, and strategic issues to the board or executive leadership.
    • Ensure lessons learned from each project are captured and used to improve future performance

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • BEng or BSc in Civil Engineering or Transportation Engineering (NQF Level 7).
  • Postgraduate qualification in Engineering Management, Transport Planning, or Business Administration (advantageous).
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with ECSA (required).
  • Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2) is advantageous.

EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum 12–15 years of experience in transport infrastructure with at least 5–8 years in a senior or executive role.
  • Demonstrable leadership in delivering large-scale transport projects in roads, rail, airports, or bridges.
  • Experience with major clients including SANRAL, PRASA, ACSA, Transnet, metros, provincial governments, or large private developers.
  • Proven experience in business development, contract negotiation, and securing major infrastructure projects.
  • Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and regional offices.
  • Knowledge and technical expertise
  • In-depth understanding of South African public sector procurement, PPP frameworks, donor-funded project processes.
  • Strong knowledge of engineering contracts: FIDIC, NEC, GCC.
  • Proficient in tools like BIM, AutoCAD Civil 3D, MS Project, GIS, or other transport modelling and design software.
  • Up-to-date knowledge of South African and international transport infrastructure standards and policies.

SKILLS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

  • Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
  • Embraced new technology and strongly encourages an innovative mindset in unit
  • Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Commercially driven with a focus on profitability and sustainability.
  • Committed to transformation, empowerment, and inclusive growth.
  • Results-oriented, adaptable, and able to lead through complexity and change.
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THE ROLE

People are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to nurturing talent, championing inclusion, and creating an environment where individuals are empowered to grow and succeed. As we continue to expand, we are looking for a dynamic and experienced Human Resources Manager to lead our people function and support our growth with purpose.

In this pivotal role, you will oversee the full spectrum of the HR portfolio and shape strategies that align with our business goals while fostering a high-performance and inclusive culture. Your responsibilities will span strategic workforce planning, employee experience, talent acquisition, performance management, rewards and benefits, compliance, learning and development, and HR systems.

This is a high-impact leadership role suited to an agile HR professional who combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Department: Human Resources
Location: Midrand
Job type: Full-time

KEY REPONSIBILITIES

  • Talent acquisition and employer branding
  • Succession and workforce planning
  • Employee experience and engagement
  • Performance enablement
  • Total rewards
  • HR Governance, compliance and policy
  • Learning and organisational development
  • Equity, diversity and inclusion
  • HR analytics and digital transformation
  • Payroll and HR administration
  • Health, safety and well-being
  • HR budgeting and operational efficiency
  • Labour legislation and employment practices

LEADERSHIP & KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Strong leadership and relationship-building skills
  • Strategic and commercial HR mindset
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management
  • High degree of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism
  • Analytical, data-literate, and systems-savvy
  • Agile, proactive, and solutions-oriented
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, or a related discipline.
  • Minimum 5–8 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.
  • Strong understanding of South African labour legislation, HR compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
  • Proven track record in scaling HR functions within fast-paced or project-driven environments.
  • Demonstrated experience in HRIS implementation, HR analytics, and technology adoption.
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THE ROLE

The Business Unit Head for Energy is responsible for establishing, leading and managing an Energy Unit at Zimile, playing a key role in setting strategic direction and ensuring the successful execution of energy projects within budget and to the highest quality standards.

This role focuses on driving business development, fostering strong client relationships, and growing the company’s service offerings in the energy sector, with an emphasis on innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

With deep expertise in engineering design, energy systems, and innovative solutions, the role further requires strong business acumen to develop and implement strategies that drive growth in the Energy market.

Once the Energy unit is established the Business Unit Head will oversee engineering design, project management, and technical execution of energy-related projects while ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices. The incumbent will also ensure client satisfaction, and continuous professional development within the team.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Department: Energy
Location: Midrand
Job type: Full-time

KEY REPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and grow the Energy business unit
  • Innovation & technology in Energy
  • Client relationship management
  • Department leadership and team management
  • Leading design & site supervision
  • Quality assurance & compliance

LEADERSHIP & KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Strategic thinking: Ability to set and drive long-term strategic objectives for the Energy Unit.
  • Decision-making: Strong analytical skills to make informed, data-driven decisions.
  • Employee development: Inspire and mentor team members, ensuring high performance and career growth.
  • Effective communication: Ability to engage with clients, stakeholders, and team members at all levels.
  • Business acumen: Understand market trends and financial metrics to ensure profitability and sustained growth.
  • Technology & innovation: Passion for energy sector innovations and emerging technologies.
  • Financial & project management: Ability to oversee budgeting, cost management, and financial forecasting for energy projects.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a related field.
  • Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or Energy Management (preferred).
  • 10+ years of experience in energy engineering or related sectors, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.
  • Professional Engineering registration (PrEng, or equivalent) is essential.
  • Proven experience in business development and client relationship management.
  • Strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency solutions, and sustainability practices.
  • Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and large-scale projects.
  • Project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is preferred.
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